Golden State Today

Sacramento, Calif. – Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., has released a summer podcast series through her Promote the Vote California initiative, celebrating the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer.

The mission of Promote the Vote California is to create a strong civic culture within California communities. This initiative seeks to leverage the power of partnership and nurture connections with businesses and organizations, paving the way for a stronger, more inclusive California.

"This is Promote the Vote California, The Podcast," focuses on service, civic education, voting engagement, and equity in California communities, drawing lessons from Freedom Summer's collective action. Freedom Summer stands as a testament to the power of unity, as it brought together leaders and everyday citizens from across the nation to combat disenfranchisement. This historic movement served as the driving force behind the enactment of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

During conversations with podcast guests, discussions will delve into a wide range of important topics including gender, race, health, the environment, and the economy. These discussions aim to consider how Californians have opportunities to participate in civic engagement and use their votes to create greater equity in their own communities and beyond.

Episode One – California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber Ph.D. (June 18)

In this inaugural episode of "This is Promote the Vote California, The Podcast," California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., discusses voting equity. Secretary Weber has a long history of civic engagement; her family has roots in the Jim Crow South, so voting equity has always been a driving force behind her work as a professor, State Legislator, and now as Secretary of State. Tune in to hear more about disenfranchisement, improving access to voting, and why your vote matters.

Episode Two – Dr. Ilan Shapiro (July 16)

In this episode, the Promote the Vote California team speaks to Dr. Ilan Shapiro, Chief Health Correspondent and Medical Affairs Officer at AltaMed Health Services. Dr. Shapiro has an impressive background in advocating for health equity and civic engagement throughout his career. His work with the White House Hispanic Policy Group, the Mexican Secretary of Health, and the Board of Governors at L.A. Care Health Plan is just a glimpse of his extensive involvement. Dr. Shapiro is teaming up with the Secretary of State’s Office to discuss how voting can help eliminate disparities in healthcare access and why civic engagement is "the most effective form" of advocacy.

Episode Three – Darcy Totten (August 20)

---